The Way of Carmel

A guide to living,a way of life,a path through all of the twists and turns of human existence.Our brothers and sisters have followed this path,illuminating the way for us.“Your word is a lamp unto my feet,and a light for my path.”A path up the mountainthrough sorrow, refreshment, suffering, and glimpses of the unknown,A guide to living,into the inexpressible joy of our Father’s presence.

“Lord, who may abide in your tent,

and dwell on your holy mountain?”

My Lord has spoken

all that needs to be heard;

our brothers and sisters show us how to respond to the Word.

Interiorly silent, I listen for His still, small voice

in the cell of my soul:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

I pledge my fealty to my Lady.

I promise to her my service.

She promises to me her maternal love and protection.

“Do whatever He tells you.”

I till the garden of my soul,

pulling the weeds one by one.

By God’s grace I have the strength

to scrub at the stains of sin and excessive attachments.

“Take up your cross and follow me.”

I struggle to live in my Lord’s presence by constant converse with Him.

If I cling not to any created thing

and accept His will in all,

all is well with my soul.

“Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”

I am a child of God.

He is my All.

I can do nothing without His grace.

“Let the little children come to Me.”

Drawn by His grace,

I take the first steps,

but He raises me up in His arms

“Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?

Who shall stand in his holy place?

The man with clean hands and pure heart,

who desires not worthless things.”

I should not fear a lack of any thing.

If I give all to Him, He returns it a hundred fold.

“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow:

They neither toil nor spin.

But I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these.”